SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang
2010 Chevrolet Jay Leno Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery
What do you get the guy who has everything? For SEMA 2009, GM decided to go with the less-is-more approach and built Jay Leno his own special Camaro... with less. Less cylinders at any rate, as this V6 special more than makes up for its lack of firing pots by adding a pair of turbochargers.
The 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 is otherwise similar to the unit that resides in run-of-the-mill Camaro LS and LT models, but with the dual huffers helping it, it produces the same 425 horsepower as its V8-propelled SS brother. And in a playful EcoBoasting slap, Chevy points out that they get the extra performance with virtually no penalty in fuel economy. Take that, rumored EcoBoost Mustang!Besides the power upgrades, the Leno Camaro also gets a beefed up clutch for its six-speed transmission, an upgraded radiator, Brembo brakes, a Pedders coil-over kit, and a bodykit that includes a new rear diffuser as well as a revised front fascia and hood with additional venting for brakes and engine. It's one of a handful of Camaros in the GM booth, but it's the only one sticking its chin out, egging on the Ford boys. Press release after the jump and full gallery below.
Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Jay Leno Camaro
Photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Chevrolet]
PRESS RELEASE
The Jay Leno Camaro
Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models, Leno's Camaro blends high performance with surprising efficiency in a racing-ready package. A pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425. That's about 40 percent greater than stock and in normal driving (when the turbochargers aren't making boost), there's virtually no penalty in fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6L engine.
"Jay's Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way," said Dewar. "It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6."
Supporting upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. The tubing for the turbo system is powder-coated blue. The powertrain was designed to deliver consistent, controllable power for both the street and race track. In fact, road racing was a primary mission for the car during its development.
Additional vehicle also support its racing intent:
- Brembo six-piston brake package
- Pedders coil-over lowering kit
- New front fascia with custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents
- Air extractor-style hood
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Level 5 11:44AM (11/03/2009)
"it's the only one sticking its chin out"
Subtle Leno joke is subtle. +1
Reply
adam1drift 12:34PM (11/03/2009)
what about the guys in Texas who are building a turbo V6 Camaro and plan on it taking on the GTR around the Ring? Wonder how that ever panned out?
http://txgarage.com/v6-camaro-vs-gt-r
Julius 11:44AM (11/03/2009)
I guess Autoblog made up for the last post on this car:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/sema-preview-chevrolet-camaro-z28-is-that-you
In any case, as the V6 has supposedly better balance (due to less weight on the nose) it might make a more interesting track car than the regular SS...
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 11:47AM (11/03/2009)
There's very little chance this V6 weighs less than an aluminum small-block V8. Even without turbos, intercoolers, etc., it already probably weighs almost as much as the V8.
I was just starting at a 3.0L high-feature V6 a couple weeks ago and in height and width it's larger than a small block. It is a little bit shorter, but I kinda doubt that makes up it.
staff 12:20PM (11/03/2009)
You are right... Autoblog got it WRONG once again!
Typical!
cdwrx 1:26PM (11/03/2009)
This however is what the Z28 should be: V6TT. A high revving, better handling, technological superior to the SS.
katshot 2:01PM (11/03/2009)
@ crwrx: It's about time somebody remembered what the Z28 is SUPPOSED TO BE.
Carlos 2:17PM (11/03/2009)
I called it! Damn I'm good
Julius 3:06PM (11/03/2009)
@ LS2LS7:
Best I can find about the LS-series engine is a dry weight of 458 lbs for the LS7, and 370 lbs for the LY7 (non-DI version) Hence the different suspension tuning between V6 and V8 versions.
In any case, curb weight for the V6 is 3728 lbs, and the V8 is 3859lbs - so I'd think the V8 is at least 100# heavier than the V6. Conversely, compression/boost pressures could be a bit higher in the V6 even with a turbo application because of the direct injection - which might counter some of the turbo lag that's there.
And I'm curious about another thing... the V6 uses the Aisin 6-speed, while the V8 uses the TR-6060. I wonder if the transmission (outside of the clutch) is uprated/swapped for TT duty.
why not the LS2LS7? 4:18PM (11/03/2009)
Julius, most of the added weight in the V8 version is the larger wheels and brakes and such, not the engine.
Adding boost pressure doesn't counter lag, because lag occurs when the system isn't producing any boost anyway. And increasing compression helps with the "dead spot" of a high pressure turbo, which again is not the same as lag.
Julius 6:02PM (11/03/2009)
@ LS2LS7:
You might be right about some of that - though the LT RS version has a curb weight of 3807 lbs (while the comparable SS2 winds up around 3880), at which point I'd hate to think the different brakes alone (the remaining difference outside of the engine) weigh 80 lbs ...
... and I'd still say a higher compression engine can counter *some* of the lag effects of the turbo. Won't eliminate it, but counter it. And obviously, a force-fed engine would do better in higher altitudes vs. the coasts.
300istheno. 9:12PM (11/03/2009)
sorry ls2ls7, but the v6 camaro is lighter and handles much better than the v8 ss....end of story
AndrewGTO 6:39PM (11/04/2009)
You are leaving out the weight of all of the turbo and intercooler plumbing. You can't just compare GM's 6 and 8. Have you ever weighed a front mount intercooler? I installed one on my old Subi, and they are not light, not to mention that they are bolted to the front bumper or right under at the tip of the nose.
Why do you think so many RX7 guys dump in LS1's? The Wankel with all of that plumbing and twin blow dryers is negligibly less than the LS1.
When you're not in boost however, the 6 will get slightly better gas mileage depending on how you drive. Then again, I don't think most people buying those things really care.
Personally, I'll keep my simpler, torque on tap 8.
zamafir 11:45AM (11/03/2009)
Twin turbo V6 producing as much power as a V8? may wonders never cease!
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SVTCobra 11:55AM (11/03/2009)
have you seen the SHO comercial?
Brian05SEL 12:08PM (11/03/2009)
EcoBoost.
That is all.
zamafir 12:11PM (11/03/2009)
commercial? no. Just owned a twin turbo V6 sedan over a decade ago with the same power ford was finding in their 5.4L V8... so all this hype and wonder various bits of twin turbo marketing (ecoboost, etc) seem to be inspiring is becoming amusing. I understand the need to inform the general consumer but us enthusiasts have been aware of the stock and tuned potential of twin turbo 6’s vs V8s for decades.
Sergey 12:43AM (11/04/2009)
@zamafir
I understand where you're comming from... however, the big deal with the new turbo engines is not just power figures. Anyone with any knowledge of engines can make a turbo V6 as powerful as a N/A V8... making the turbo engine consume less gas, be reliable and drivable at the same time is another story. Before new VVT and DI tech, a turbo V6 or i4 was as thirsty (or probably worse) than a V8: as evidenced by the current Mitsubishi Evo X, unless you consider 17/22 good for a 4-banger in a 3600lbs car.
I think it's a great acheavement that new V6s can enjoy over 300lb-ft torque from 1500RPM and consume less gas than a comparable V8 while being designed to work for many years. Props to Ford for making such technology relatively affordable to the public as well, hopefully others will follow.
katshot 11:46AM (11/03/2009)
So much for a LS-A powered Z28.
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WeeDiddy 11:51AM (11/03/2009)
shh, you'll make them feel bad.